On the road to earning a crust (From Barry And District News)

On the road to earning a crust

A TEENAGED Barry carer's stressful life is set to get easier thanks to a generous donation from a baker.

Seventeen-year-old Dawn Watkins, who looks after her disabled mum, will receive £240-worth of driving lessons thanks to family company Warburtons.

The Barry College student, who has to juggle her studies with her caring responsibilities, is part of NCH Cymru Vale Young Carers Service.

This is a project providing free afternoon school clubs, activity days and outings and residential stays, where young carers in the area can meet up with other young people in the same situation and have fun.

Warburtons approached the charity to offer support and was asked to help ease the pressure for Dawn. The company donated free driving lessons with BSM, four guides to passing a driving test, a video and highway code.

Sally Robinson, the Vale Young Carers project co-ordinator, said: "Most young carers have a lot of responsibility placed upon them as they are helping to look after someone at home because they are ill, frail or have a disability.

"They take on tasks that you would normally expect an adult to undertake and often need to let off steam and be children for a while."

Warburtons' account manager Paula O'Callaghan said: "The Young Carers project gives these young people a chance to chill out and have fun and hopefully our donation will help Dawn and her mother have a better quality of life."

Dawn, added: "I am so excited, I cannot wait to get behind the wheel and start learning to drive. It will be much more convenient when I pass my test because at the moment we have to rely on taxis as transport, but soon we can pop in the car and go wherever we need to."

l NCH Cymru Vale Young Carers Service is open to those under 18 who provide a caring role at home. It gives young carers a break from their caring responsibilities. Contact Sally Robinson on 029 20 704500.